Flood control in Kashmir continues to be a major challenge, especially in light of past disasters, such as the 2014 deluge. The Valley’s geographical and climatic conditions make it prone to extreme weather events, necessitating continuous efforts to mitigate risks. The Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project, now extended until August 2026, is an important initiative aimed at strengthening the flood defence infrastructure. Simultaneously, a river morphology and feasibility study is underway to develop a long-term strategy for managing the Jhelum River’s flood risks. While these steps indicate an intent to improve resilience, challenges remain, particularly concerning funding and the pace of project implementation. One of the key developments in recent years has been the phased approach to the Comprehensive Flood Management Plan for Kashmir. While the first phase has increased the Jhelum’s carrying capacity from 31,800 to 41,000 cusecs, the second phase aims to push this figure to 60,000 cusecs. However, financial and administrative bottlenecks have slowed progress. The Administrative Council approved Part A of the plan in 2019, but funding for Part B is still pending, which raises concerns over the Valley’s preparedness against future high-magnitude floods. Without full project execution, low-lying areas, including Pampore, remain at risk during extreme flood events. To address immediate threats, several flood protection works have been carried out along the embankments of the Jhelum, particularly in Pampore. Recent reinforcements at Khankahbagh and Zoonipora aim to safeguard life and property in the town. The government has clarified that while Pampore faces no threat from low or moderate floods, a large-scale event, such as the one in 2014, could lead to overtopping of embankments, resulting in inundation of vulnerable areas. This highlights the need for robust long-term solutions rather than relying solely on piecemeal interventions. Despite the progress made, there are concerns over delays in the full implementation of projects. The Central Water Commission has advised prioritising flood management efforts in a phased manner due to financial constraints. However, key components, such as the expansion of the Flood Spill Channel and the Outfall Channel, remain stalled. The final technical report from the CWC, received in December 2024, is currently under review, and its recommendations will be crucial in shaping the future course of flood management efforts in the region. The damages from the flood of 2014 amounted to thousands of crores, and experts have warned that a similar catastrophe could strike again if proactive measures are not taken. While progress has been made in strengthening embankments and conserving wetlands, the overall flood management framework requires more rapid execution, timely funding, and improved coordination between agencies. The coming years will determine how effectively Jammu and Kashmir can mitigate flood risks. With the Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project extended, and new studies underway, the groundwork is being laid for a more comprehensive approach. However, without expediting approvals, securing necessary funds, and addressing technical discrepancies, the region remains vulnerable. The focus must be on ensuring that flood management projects move beyond planning stages and translate into tangible measures.
Flood Resilience
